FedEx workers strike, warning of delivery delays
Thousands of workers at delivery giant FedEx have begun a 24-hour strike today, with warnings parcel shipments across Australia will be delayed.
Up to 3000 FedEx workers started the industrial action at midnight over concerns about job security.
With more consumers shopping online during the pandemic lockdowns, waiting times for deliveries are already longer than usual.
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Thousands of FedEx workers are striking for 24 hours across Australia. AP
Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine says contractors have taken over an increasing amount of courier work in recent years.
Despite FedEx's record net profits last year, management has refused workers' requests for guarantees on employment security.
A recent ballot of FedEx TWU members showed 97 per cent backing for the strike.
The move to outsourcing is causing an insecure work environment at FedEx, the TWU argues.
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Online shopping has boomed in Australia after states including New South Wales and Victoria entered lockdown. Wayne Taylor
It says some owner-drivers are currently paid about 25 per cent less to do the same duties as employees.
The union says workers are seeking job security, limits on external hire as well as guaranteed work for current employees before contracting out.
The FedEx workers' strike follows industrial action by StarTrack employees across Australia last week.
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